Composite compositions with barrier properties and methods for the preparation thereof

Abstract

Compositions including a fabric layer with a water-insoluble polymer impregnated into the fabric layer to provide sheets are described. In particular, the sheet composites have a permeability to oxygen in the direction perpendicular to the sheet that is less than one-tenth the transmission rate for the fabric layer alone and less than one-fifth the transmission rate for the polymer alone without the fabric layer.

1. An container with a confined space with a low permeability to a gas or a vapor which comprises:
 a confined space formed at least in part with a composite composition which comprises: a sheet of a preformed porous fabric layer of overlapping, separate elongate members, which form the fabric layer, wherein each of the elongate members have a length, width or thickness which is less than about ten micrometers; and a water-insoluble polymer which has been impregnated into the fabric layer, wherein the composite composition has a transmission rate to oxygen that is less than one-tenth the transmission rate for the fabric layer alone and less than one-fifth the transmission rate for the polymer alone without the fabric layer, wherein the composite composition provides a barrier between opposed sides of the sheet in the enclosure. 
 
   
   
     2. The container of  claim 1  wherein the polymer comprises a water-insoluble thermoset polymer. 
   
   
     3. The container of  claim 1  wherein the elongate members are platey particles. 
   
   
     4. The container of  claim 1  wherein the elongate members are fibers or flattened fibers. 
   
   
     5. The container of  claim 1  wherein the polymer comprises a water-insoluble thermoplastic. 
   
   
     6. The container of  claim 1  wherein the composition has a transmission rate to oxygen of less than about 100 cc.mil/m 2 day.atm. 
   
   
     7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer impregnated fabric layer is at least 25% by weight of the elongate particle members. 
   
   
     8. The container of  claim 1  wherein the fabric layer is self-supporting without the water-insoluble polymer. 
   
   
     9. A package for enclosing a material which comprises as part of the material for forming the package a composite composition which comprises:
 (a) a preformed, porous fabric layer of overlapping, elongate members which form the fabric layer, wherein each of the elongate members have a length, width or thickness which is less than about ten micrometers; and 
 (b) a water-insoluble polymer which has been impregnated into the fabric layer, wherein the composite composition has a transmission rate to oxygen in a direction orthogonal to the layer that is less than one-tenth the transmission rate for the fabric layer alone and less than one-fifth the transmission rate for the polymer alone without the fabric layer. 
 
   
   
     10. The package of  claim 9  wherein the polymer comprises a water-insoluble thermoset polymer. 
   
   
     11. The package of  claim 9  wherein the elongate members are platey particles. 
   
   
     12. The package of  claim 9  wherein the elongate members are fibers or flattened fibers. 
   
   
     13. The package of  claim 9  wherein the polymer is a water-insoluble thermoplastic. 
   
   
     14. The package of  claim 9  wherein the fabric layer is at least 25% by weight of the composition.